Birstall seal a top table finish

Illingworth 20

BIRSTALL Victoria sealed the Pennine League Division One title when nearest rivals Stanley had lost in midweek so they were in the mood for a celebration against bottom side Illingworth. in their final league match of the season.

Victoria turned on the style as they romped into an 18-0 first half lead.

But in the second half, complacency played a part as Birstall imploded and allowed Illingworth to snatch victory.

Birstall scored a trio of tries in the first half. The consistent Leon Crick scored two and Danny Eldridge got the other. Mick Dyson added three conversions.

It appeared that Birstall Victoria were in the driving seat but in the second half a determined Illingworth not only managed to pin them down but allowed them to score in the second half.

In the meantime they were busy at the other end racking up enough points to earn a deserved victory by a two point margin.

Matty Gowland, who has been a rock for the side throughout the season was Birstall’s MoM followed by the hard-working Richard Duffy and Josh Knowles in third.

Finishing as champions in their first season vindicates Birstall’s decision to move to the Pennine League and they are looking forward to doing it all again next season.

Before that though they are holding a presentation night at the Oakwell Motel on Friday June 10